FishUSA Angler Resources

How To Catch Walleye - ​Fishing Techniques for Beginners

By: FishUSA Staff

August 16, 2024

Walleye fishing is an exciting challenge for anglers of all levels. Known for their elusive nature, walleye are prized for their fighting spirit on light tackle and their excellent table fare. However, targeting these finicky fish can be intimidating for beginners. This guide will break down the basics of how to catch walleye, covering essential techniques and tips to help you get started.

Walleye fishing is an exciting challenge for anglers of all levels. Known for their elusive nature, walleye are prized for their fighting spirit on light tackle and their excellent table fare. However, targeting these finicky fish can be intimidating for beginners. This guide will break down the basics of how to catch walleye, covering essential techniques and tips to help you get started.

Table of Contents

  • Understanding Walleye Behavior
  • Essential Walleye Fishing Techniques
  • Live Bait Rigging
  • Slip Bobbers
  • Jigging
  • Handling Walleye Safely
  • Final Thoughts

Understanding Walleye Behavior

Before diving into the techniques, it's essential to understand walleye behavior. Walleyes are temperamental, often influenced by factors like water temperature, light conditions, and food availability. They are typically more active during low-light periods, such as dawn, dusk, and cloudy days. Knowing when and where to find walleye is the first step in becoming a successful angler.

Essential Walleye Fishing Techniques

Live Bait Rigging

Live bait rigging is a time-tested and straightforward method for catching walleye. This technique involves using live bait such as leeches, worms, or minnows to entice walleyes.

Gear and Setup

  • Rod: A 7’6” St. Croix Legend Elite Spinning Rod (medium-light, extra-fast tip) is ideal, but a more budget-friendly option like the St. Croix Eyecon Series also works well.
  • Line: Use 8-10 lb braided line for sensitivity. 
  • Rigging: Slide a sliding sinker onto your line, tie on a swivel, and attach a 3-8 foot snell of 6 lb fluorocarbon. An octopus hook is recommended, with size varying based on your bait (size 8 for leeches, size 6 for worms, and size 4-1/0 for minnows).

Technique

  • Troll at about 0.5 mph over humps, points, or rock piles where walleyes are likely to be found.
  • Keep your bail open and your finger on the line. When you feel a bite, drop the line and allow the fish to take the bait for a few seconds before slowly reeling in and setting the hook with a sweeping motion.

Slip Bobbers

Slip bobbers are an effective method for suspending bait at a specific depth, making it easier to target walleyes that are holding above the bottom.

Gear and Setup

  • Line: Monofilament line is preferred for this technique, as sensitivity is less critical.
  • Rigging: Start by tying a bobber stop on your line, then slide on a slip bobber with a brass grommet. Add a 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz Bullet Weights egg sinker to help the bait sink quickly, followed by a barrel swivel. Attach a 2-3 foot fluorocarbon leader (6-8 lb) and tie on a small jig (1/16 oz or 1/8 oz) tipped with a leech.

Technique

  • Set the bobber stop so that the bait is about 2 feet off the bottom. Begin to experiment with different set depths if need be.
  • Cast the rig over your target area and patiently wait for a bite. Walleyes often find it hard to resist a lively leech hanging above them.

Jigging

Jigging is one of the most versatile and effective methods for catching walleye. Jigs can be used in various depths and conditions, making them a staple in any walleye angler's tackle box.

Shop Walleye Jigs

Gear and Setup

Technique

  • Let the jig hit the bottom, then give the rod slight pops to lift the bait off the bottom before letting it fall again on a tight line.
  • Experiment with different retrieval cadences, as sometimes a slow, steady drag can be more effective than a quick pop.

Handling Walleye Safely

Walleyes have sharp dorsal spines and gill plates, so it's important to handle them properly to avoid injury. Grab the fish just under the gill plate, being careful not to touch the gill rakers or the back of the gill plate. This grip will keep your hands safe while ensuring you maintain control of the fish.

Final Thoughts

Catching walleye can be challenging, especially for beginners, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you'll soon find yourself reeling in these prized fish. Whether you're live bait rigging, using slip bobbers, or jigging, each method offers a unique approach to walleye fishing. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out on the water and start honing your skills. With these tips in hand, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful walleye angler.

Shop Walleye Fishing Gear

  • Walleye Spinning Rods
  • Walleye Soft Plastics
  • Walleye Jigs
  • Walleye Crankbaits